Applied Health Research Networks Initiative (AHRNI)

The Applied Health Research Network Initiative (AHRNI) is a pan-provincial, networked model for applied health research funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The AHRNI model is intended to foster a strong research-to-evidence link, support a new generation of applied health researchers, and create a window for rapid response research and policy briefs. It represents a new model of linking up research initiatives in Ontario to the needs of the Ontario health system and fostering capacity building. Translating the knowledge from the researchers to policy-makers and health care providers is an important component of the AHRNI model with a strong emphasis on rapid response.

AHRNI encompasses two main networks: the Population Health Improvement Research Network (PHIRN) and the System Integration and Innovation Research Network (SIIReN). In addition, there are several teams which cut across the population health and health services domains including the Aboriginal Health Research Team, the Francophone Health Research Team, the Multicultural Health Research Team, the Health Human Resources Team, and the Performance Measurement /Innovation Research Team. These networks and teams are developing and implementing research initiatives that address key priorities and emerging system and social needs in their area.

The overall objectives of the AHRNI program are:

to support high-quality applied population and systems/services health research that addresses complex issues that affect health and health equity using a collaborative, networked approach;

to be the applied health services and population health research focus for Ontario, supporting evidence-informed policy development, decision-making and care-giving in the Ontario health care system;

to promote the production, dissemination and exploitation of new peer reviewed and other knowledge products and best practices and policies, transforming the results of research activities into viable innovations to improve the health of all Ontarians and the sustainability of the health care system; and,

to build capacity by linking established researchers, community partners, decision-makers, and emerging leaders in open, collaborative, and inter-disciplinary networks.

The guiding principles of AHRNI include the following:

Pan-provincial representation using a "hub-and-spoke" model to leverage human and financial resources from multiple centres, areas of expertise and other funding sources;

Research focussed on equitable and sustainable approaches and solutions, using novel and innovative structures and rigorous methodological frameworks;

Cross-collaboration and partnership with the Aboriginal and Francophone teams, other cross-cutting initiatives, and government and community partners;

Focus on knowledge translation, multi-cultural dimensions of care and planning, performance evaluation and measurement, social determinants of health, and human resources;

Anticipate, negotiate, and respond to provincial health system information and evidentiary needs, help identify emerging issues that may require policy action, and support development of investigator-driven research projects (according to a 60/ 40 split whereby 60% of the network's activities should be ministry-responsive and developed with health system decision makers, and 40% investigator-driven);

Build research capacity, and capacity for knowledge/evidence uptake amongst community and government/ system partners; and,

Provide a superior training environment for new researchers, community partners as part of the work of the networks.

System Integration and Innovation Research Network (hub) - Moira Stewart

Primary Health Care System

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Transitions of Prevention & Care

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Systems of Prevention & Care

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Population Health Improvement Resarch Network (hub) - Ivy Bourgeault

Scientific Director

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Population Health Interventions

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Population Health Interventions

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Patterns & Pathways of Inequities

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Patterns & Pathways of Inequities

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